CPR certification in South Carolina

American Training Association for CPR offers online training in both CPR & First Aid, accessible to all South Carolina residents, including those in Columbia, Rock Hill, and Greenville.

What is CPR?

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is used to save the life of a person who goes into cardiac arrest, which occurs when their heart stops beating unexpectedly. When the heart stops, it does not supply the body's major organs, like the kidneys and the brain, with the oxygen they normally receive from the blood. Without the heart pumping oxygenated blood to the organs, they can suffer irreversible damage, which can be fatal. Without oxygen, brain damage can occur after four minutes and death can occur within ten minutes. When the heart is unable to do it on its own, CPR manually pumps blood to the organs.

What’s the proper way to perform CPR?

To give victims the greatest odds of survival, rescuers must perform CPR as soon as possible after cardiac arrest. To begin, rescuers should check the victim for responsiveness and determine if they have a pulse. If there is no pulse, call 911 and immediately begin CPR. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that rescuers perform CPR with the following guidelines:

• Kneel above the victim’s chest with the arms straight, placing the hands in the center of the chest.
• Perform rapid, firm compressions of the victim’s chest, at a rate of 2 compressions per second, or 120 compressions per minute. Ensure that each compression presses at least 2 inches down into the chest and that the chest recoils between in each compression.
• Continue to perform compressions until emergency medical technicians arrive and can take over.
• It is recommended that non-certified rescuers perform compressions only, as this is the most straightforward technique that also allows them to speak on the phone to a 911 operator as they assist the victim. If they are CPR certified, rescuers may perform rescue breathing when the victim is not breathing on their own.
• To begin rescue breathing, rescuers must clear the airway by tilting the head back. Next, they will place their mouth on top of the victim's mouth and deliver one rescue breath then look to see if the victim’s chest rises. If the chest does not rise, give the second breath and then resume chest compressions. If it does rise, the rescuer may return to performing chest compressions. Continue to deliver 2 rescue breaths for every 30 chest compressions until the victim is breathing normally or until emergency medical support arrives.

How do I perform child CPR?

The technique for performing CPR on children and infants is similar to adult CPR, but some modifications are made to accommodate their smaller body size. Chest compressions should only be as deep as 1/3 of the child’s chest depth, typically no more than 2 inches. Rescuers may only need to use one hand to perform chest compressions on smaller children, or only several fingers on infants, and rescue breaths should be less forceful. Rescuers should use a ratio of 15:2 chest compressions to rescue breaths for children.

What first aid basics will I learn from taking a course?

First aid classes are an excellent resource for learning the basics of treating accidental injuries in emergency situations. Some of the topics that classes will cover include the treatment of eye injuries, burns, poisoning, bone fractures, wounds, choking, head injuries, and seizures. Participants should remember that free first aid or CPR classes are intended to be information only and will not provide formal certification upon completion. For individuals to obtain official first aid and CRP certification, they must complete a proper course and pass a CPR and first aid exam.

When should a person seek treatment for a burn?

First degree burns, while red and painful, can be treated at home by applying a cold compress, covering the area with ointment, and taking pain relief medication like Tylenol or Advil. Second-degree burns penetrate the first layer of skin and reaches the second layer, causing severe pain, blistering, and swelling. Individuals can also treat second-degree burns can at home, unless they are larger than three inches diameter. In the case of large second-degree burns, or in cases where burns seem serious, victims should seek out further medical care.

Where can I find BLS, CPR, and first aid classes near me?

Basic life support (BLS), CPR, and first aid classes are offered across South Carolina, and in numerous locations across municipalities like Charleston and Florence. Courses are available at community centers, hospitals, swimming pools, and through community health organizations. Online classes are an excellent option for people who do not live in an area where courses are offered or for busy professionals who find it difficult to schedule in-person courses. It is important to note that free CPR classes are informative but will not offer certification upon completion. Courses that provide formal first aid and CPR certification are widely available for a small fee. Certification courses will cover core skills as well as more specialized procedures like child or infant CPR.

CPR and First Aid Certification and Renewals

What are the benefits of becoming certified in CPR and first aid?

First aid and CPR are intended to preserve life, prevent further harm, and treat accidental injuries. First aid and CPR training gives participants the skills they need to assess an emergency and calmly provide the right assistance as needed while increasing the victim’s chances of survival. Completing a CPR or first aid certification course demonstrates an individual’s, first responder’s, or healthcare professional’s ability to perform standard emergency techniques as well as their understanding of universal care standards.

How can I find CPR renewals near me?

It is up to individuals to keep their CPR and first aid certification valid so they can stay up to date with the latest Red Cross and AHA guidelines. Individuals may renew their certification in person by attending a CPR class at public locations around South Carolina and in the state’s main municipalities like Charleston, Spartanburg, or Columbia, or they may choose to complete their renewal through the convenience of completing an online course.

Obtain CPR and First Aid Certification Today

CPR and first aid certification have never been more convenient and accessible than with American Training Association for CPR. Take one of our certification courses to learn the skills needed to save lives. Visit www.uscpronline.com to begin CPR and first aid certification today.